By Wyoming Sports.org
ROCK SPRINGS -- It was a hit or miss day for the Laramie Rangers Friday at the Wyoming State American legion baseball Tournament.
Unfortunately for Laramie, a loss to Powell means the Rangers will miss out on further postseason play.
Laramie opened the day in consolation play and thumped Wheatland 17-7 in seven innings, blasting five home runs, including four in the third inning.
The Rangers, however, saw their season come to a close a few hours later as Scotty Jameson stymied the Laramie bats as the Pioneers tolled to a 15-5 victory.
Powell, 48-14 on the season, will face Gillette Saturday at 1 p.m. for the chance to play for the state title against Cheyenne, which beat the Roughriders 9-6 Saturday night.
The win also guarantees Powell at least a trip to the A Regional tournament in Ogden, Utah, as the top A team in the state. The Pioneers could still qualify for the AA regional tournament if they win the state tourney.
Laramie finished the season at 28-16.
“Unfortunately, it only works out good for one team," Laramie manager Sean McKinney said on the KOWB post-game show. “The end comes the same for every team except one. It’s tough to end like that, but you have to take your hat off to the kids, they played hard and had a great year. I appreciate their work ethic and their dedication that they put in."
The Rangers just could not get going early against Jameson, who pitched eight innings and scattered 10 hits, giving up just two runs. He struck out eight.
“Jameson did a good job,” McKinney said. “He has a good fastball and he worked it in and out with good velocity behind it. He kept us off balance. He disrupted our timing, we never had a chance to get into rhythm.“
Powell had the early momentum, taking a 5-0 lead with a four-run third inning, as the Pioneers got to starting pitcher Coley Wilson for five hits in the inning. Gianluca Giarrzzo and Tyler Dahlgren had RBI singles in the inning and Colter Bostic added a two-run double for Powell.
Laramie cut the lead to 5-2 in the fifth on a two-run double by second baseman Rylan Harding, but Powell answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning.
Laramie came back with three runs in the eighth to cut the lead to 8-4, highlighted by a two-run double by shortstop Skyler Joy. Once again, the Pioneers had the answer, scoring four runs themselves in the bottom of the inning to basically ice the win. Andrew Young hit a solo home run off of Jordan Rhodine and Grant Geiser blasted a two-run shot.
Joy capped an outstanding day and tournament with four hits, followed by Harding with three hits and Nick Armijo and Tyler Mitchell with two hits each.
Against Wheatland, it was all Laramie early, as the Rangers scored four runs off of four hits in the first inning, then went yard with a two-run home run by catcher Jon Sorenson in the second inning. In the third, Armijo, Mitchell and Sorenson all hit solo home runs and Harding added a two-run blast to put the Rangers up 10-0.
The Rangers finished with 22 hits in the game, led by Joy and Sorenson with four hits each, with Wilson, Rhodine and Brody Hilgenkamp with three hits each.
Nolan Carter got the win on the mound, giving up three hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings. Harding pitched the final 1 1/3 innings.
Despite the loss, McKinney is looking forward to the future. Wilson, Rhodine, Armijo and Joy used up their eligibility this season.
“We have some great kids coming back,” he said. “The kids who played on this team have a lot of innings in and they are all coming back. We have some great young kids coming back to be a part of the program.”
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Post 6 hammers Rangers
By Wyoming Sports.org
ROCK SPRINGS -- Evidently, what goes around comes around for the Laramie Rangers.
A day after blasting the Casper Oilers 17-2 to open the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament, the Rangers got a taste of their own medicine when Cheyenne Post 6 rolled to a 21-3 win in five innings on Thursday.
With the loss, the Rangers, 27-15, will face Wheatland Friday at 12:30 p.m. in a loser-out game. The winner of that game will face the winner of Powell-Cody at 4 p.m. Cheyenne, 49-14, plays Gillette at 7 p.m., with the winner advancing to the title game.
A competitive first inning quickly turned into a blowout, as Post 6 broke the game open with a 10-run third inning. Laramie starting pitcher Jordan Rhodine gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning, but helped his own cause in the bottom half of the inning with a three-run home run to make it a one-run game.
But it was all Cheyenne from that point, as Post 6 scored four times in the second inning and then used the 10-run third to end any doubt.
Laramie manager Sean McKinney said on the KOWB post-game radio show that Post 6 did a good job of beating the Rangers at their own game.
“We tried to take it to them like we did against Casper, but Cheyenne did a better job of that,” McKinney said. “Cheyenne came out on fire. They dictated everything and they didn’t let Jordan get deep in the count. When he was trying to get ahead, they were right on his pitches. They just beat us at our own game.”
Post 6 pounded out 19 hits in the game, led by Matt Pullos’ four hits and four RBI. Brandon Nimmo, Shay Cheever and Andrew Fanning all had three hits each. Nimmo had a two-run home run in the fifth and Luke Haugh added a grand slam home run in the 10-run third.
Aaron Smith picked up the win for Post 6, scattering eight hits.
Coley Wilson led the Rangers with two hits. Rhodine knocked in all three runs with his first-inning home run. Jon Sorenson and Tyler Mitchell both had doubles in the game, with Skyler Joy, Rylan Harding and Nolan Carter all adding singles.
Rhodine took the loss on the mound, giving up 12 hits and 14 runs (13 earned) in two-plus innings. Nick Armijo gave up two hits and four runs without getting an out, with Brody Hilgenkamp giving up one run in two innings and Kevin Dooley two runs in one inning.
“It’s disappointing. It’s the state tournament and we are in the winner’s bracket playing Cheyenne and we came out played like that,” McKinney said. “I think our hearts were in the right spot today, but not much else was. That was probably part of the mental block of playing Cheyenne. They are a very good team and they do a lot of things right. I don’t fault the kids, they were trying. But to top them, you have to be really mentally and physically prepared to play a team like this.”
McKinney said he told his team after the loss that the game is over and they need to pick it up and make sure they are ready for the Lobos.
"We’ve played Wheatland a number of times and they are a very good ball club, and they will come out swinging and ready to go,” he said. “This game could be for the single A berth, so that is a tremendous honor for any team, so we should be excited for that. We need to refocus, come out firing and match Wheatland’s intensity, because they are going to be excited to play us.”
ROCK SPRINGS -- Evidently, what goes around comes around for the Laramie Rangers.
A day after blasting the Casper Oilers 17-2 to open the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament, the Rangers got a taste of their own medicine when Cheyenne Post 6 rolled to a 21-3 win in five innings on Thursday.
With the loss, the Rangers, 27-15, will face Wheatland Friday at 12:30 p.m. in a loser-out game. The winner of that game will face the winner of Powell-Cody at 4 p.m. Cheyenne, 49-14, plays Gillette at 7 p.m., with the winner advancing to the title game.
A competitive first inning quickly turned into a blowout, as Post 6 broke the game open with a 10-run third inning. Laramie starting pitcher Jordan Rhodine gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning, but helped his own cause in the bottom half of the inning with a three-run home run to make it a one-run game.
But it was all Cheyenne from that point, as Post 6 scored four times in the second inning and then used the 10-run third to end any doubt.
Laramie manager Sean McKinney said on the KOWB post-game radio show that Post 6 did a good job of beating the Rangers at their own game.
“We tried to take it to them like we did against Casper, but Cheyenne did a better job of that,” McKinney said. “Cheyenne came out on fire. They dictated everything and they didn’t let Jordan get deep in the count. When he was trying to get ahead, they were right on his pitches. They just beat us at our own game.”
Post 6 pounded out 19 hits in the game, led by Matt Pullos’ four hits and four RBI. Brandon Nimmo, Shay Cheever and Andrew Fanning all had three hits each. Nimmo had a two-run home run in the fifth and Luke Haugh added a grand slam home run in the 10-run third.
Aaron Smith picked up the win for Post 6, scattering eight hits.
Coley Wilson led the Rangers with two hits. Rhodine knocked in all three runs with his first-inning home run. Jon Sorenson and Tyler Mitchell both had doubles in the game, with Skyler Joy, Rylan Harding and Nolan Carter all adding singles.
Rhodine took the loss on the mound, giving up 12 hits and 14 runs (13 earned) in two-plus innings. Nick Armijo gave up two hits and four runs without getting an out, with Brody Hilgenkamp giving up one run in two innings and Kevin Dooley two runs in one inning.
“It’s disappointing. It’s the state tournament and we are in the winner’s bracket playing Cheyenne and we came out played like that,” McKinney said. “I think our hearts were in the right spot today, but not much else was. That was probably part of the mental block of playing Cheyenne. They are a very good team and they do a lot of things right. I don’t fault the kids, they were trying. But to top them, you have to be really mentally and physically prepared to play a team like this.”
McKinney said he told his team after the loss that the game is over and they need to pick it up and make sure they are ready for the Lobos.
"We’ve played Wheatland a number of times and they are a very good ball club, and they will come out swinging and ready to go,” he said. “This game could be for the single A berth, so that is a tremendous honor for any team, so we should be excited for that. We need to refocus, come out firing and match Wheatland’s intensity, because they are going to be excited to play us.”
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rangers pound Oilers in state opener
By Wyoming Sports.org
ROCK SPRINGS -- Tuesday morning the Laramie Rangers worked on a special drill to hit line drives.
On Wednesday afternoon, they blasted four homes and five doubles in routing the Casper Oilers 17-2 in seven innings in the first round of the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament.
The Rangers, 27-14, face Cheyenne-Cody Thursday at 7 p.m. Casper, 24-36, takes on the loser of that game at noon.
Because of the smallish park in Rock Springs, Laramie manager Sean McKinney was a little concerned that his team might swing for the fences. With that said, he had each player try to level their swing by hitting line drives up the middle in an attempt to knock over three Gatorade containers stacked on a chair on the pitching mound.
“It goes back to the approach and the mindset,” said McKinney on the post-game radio show on KOWB. “We had a good mind-set in the district tournament and we tried to keep that going this week. We tried to keep the guys fresh. That played as big part of it. As you get later in the year, the more fresh your guys are, the better they are going to perform.”
It apparently worked, as the Rangers pounded out 23 hits.
“I think we did a good job of staying ahead pf the pitcher. He tried to come in and we did a good job of getting the barrel to the ball,” McKinney said. “When you score runs early, like we talked about, it let Coleton (Wilson) settle in a bit (on the mound). It was a good overall performance by our offense and I am happy we got those early runs.”
Second baseman Rylan Harding got things started with a two-run shot in the top of the first inning. It was a precursor of what was to come. In the third inning, third baseman Nick Armijo and shortstop Skyler Joy both hit a pair of two-run home runs. Laramie also had four doubles in the inning to plate eight runs for a 10-0 lead.
The Oilers, the No. 2 seed from the North, was never in the game from that point on.
Laramie added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and three more in the sixth. Nolan Carter hit the fourth of four dingers, a solo shot in the seventh.
Joy and Harding both had outstanding dates at the dish with five hits each. First baseman Jordan Rhodine was 3-for-5 with two RBI, with catcher Jon Sorenson, right fielder Tyler Mitchell, center fielder Brody Hilgenkamp and Wilson all adding two hits.
Wilson picked up the win on the mound, throwing five scoreless innings, giving up three hits. He walked three and struck out two. Youngsters Kevin Dooley and Abel Casas each pitched one inning, both allowing one run.
McKinney said that he was extremely pleased with his team’s play on Wednesday, it’s just one win and they have a long ways to go to achieve their ultimate goal of capturing the title.
“This is just a stepping stone (to the state title), so I am glad we got through it and we had a good day,” McKinney said. “The guys are dialed in, they are ready to go. We’re excited about the outcome of this game, but we have another test tomorrow night.”
ROCK SPRINGS -- Tuesday morning the Laramie Rangers worked on a special drill to hit line drives.
On Wednesday afternoon, they blasted four homes and five doubles in routing the Casper Oilers 17-2 in seven innings in the first round of the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament.
The Rangers, 27-14, face Cheyenne-Cody Thursday at 7 p.m. Casper, 24-36, takes on the loser of that game at noon.
Because of the smallish park in Rock Springs, Laramie manager Sean McKinney was a little concerned that his team might swing for the fences. With that said, he had each player try to level their swing by hitting line drives up the middle in an attempt to knock over three Gatorade containers stacked on a chair on the pitching mound.
“It goes back to the approach and the mindset,” said McKinney on the post-game radio show on KOWB. “We had a good mind-set in the district tournament and we tried to keep that going this week. We tried to keep the guys fresh. That played as big part of it. As you get later in the year, the more fresh your guys are, the better they are going to perform.”
It apparently worked, as the Rangers pounded out 23 hits.
“I think we did a good job of staying ahead pf the pitcher. He tried to come in and we did a good job of getting the barrel to the ball,” McKinney said. “When you score runs early, like we talked about, it let Coleton (Wilson) settle in a bit (on the mound). It was a good overall performance by our offense and I am happy we got those early runs.”
Second baseman Rylan Harding got things started with a two-run shot in the top of the first inning. It was a precursor of what was to come. In the third inning, third baseman Nick Armijo and shortstop Skyler Joy both hit a pair of two-run home runs. Laramie also had four doubles in the inning to plate eight runs for a 10-0 lead.
The Oilers, the No. 2 seed from the North, was never in the game from that point on.
Laramie added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and three more in the sixth. Nolan Carter hit the fourth of four dingers, a solo shot in the seventh.
Joy and Harding both had outstanding dates at the dish with five hits each. First baseman Jordan Rhodine was 3-for-5 with two RBI, with catcher Jon Sorenson, right fielder Tyler Mitchell, center fielder Brody Hilgenkamp and Wilson all adding two hits.
Wilson picked up the win on the mound, throwing five scoreless innings, giving up three hits. He walked three and struck out two. Youngsters Kevin Dooley and Abel Casas each pitched one inning, both allowing one run.
McKinney said that he was extremely pleased with his team’s play on Wednesday, it’s just one win and they have a long ways to go to achieve their ultimate goal of capturing the title.
“This is just a stepping stone (to the state title), so I am glad we got through it and we had a good day,” McKinney said. “The guys are dialed in, they are ready to go. We’re excited about the outcome of this game, but we have another test tomorrow night.”
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Rangers still have one goal in mind at state
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers didn’t get a break with their side of the bracket of the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament that features Casper and Cheyenne. Then again, the other side of the bracket features defending AA champion Gillette, defending A champion Wheatland and current North District Champion Powell.
The Rangers will just have to settle for the old sports cliché, “To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Laramie, 26-14 and the third seed from the South District, opens the state tournament Wednesday in Rock Springs at 12:30 p.m. against Casper.
“It’s one of those things that the bracket is set up how it is set up and we have no control over that,” Laramie manager Sean McKinney said. “We’ve talked all year about playing against the ball and not worrying about what the other team is doing. We’ll worry about what we can control and our own game, and Coach (Kyle) Deck and I can worry about the other team and how they are going to play us.”
Casper, 25-36 on the season, is the No. 2 seed from the North, as the Oilers fell to Powell 6-5 in the North District title game. Laramie faced the Oilers twice early in the season and won both games, 13-9 and 12-2.
“They are going to be tough," McKinney said. “What we saw earlier this summer wasn’t their full team because of graduation, so they are going to have some more guys.”
From the Rangers' standpoint, McKinney said they won’t change anything, starting No,. 1 pitcher Coley Wilson against the Oilers.
“He’s very comfortable, he has done a great job at the beginning of tournaments,” McKinney said of Wilson.
Laramie finished 3-1 last weekend in the district tournament, beating Riverton twice by a combined 36-12 score and Green River, but fell to Cheyenne 16-5 in a game that was 6-5 heading into the sixth inning.
”I think the kids are ready,” McKinney said. “The kids had a good week of practice last week and played well in the district tournament. Today’s practice was good; it was light and kind of fun for the guys, to keep them loose and motivated for the weekend.
“We get to spend another week at the state tournament. There are good teams there. It is just a fun atmosphere. I love being able to go to the state tournament. I’m happy that we are there.”
With the smallish Miner field in Rock Springs susceptible to giving up home runs, McKinney said they need to play situational baseball.
“(Tuesday) we tried working on keeping our swings level and forget about the home run because we all know that the home runs come when you are not trying,” McKinney said.
Defense will also be important in the state tournament, McKinney said.
“We’re going to try to position our guys in the right spot,” he said. “ It’s all about the defensive aspect of it and how we expect our plays. We did a great job of playing defense last weekend. We had one error in four games, so that is pretty good at this level.”
With the tournament AA and A combined this season, the highest placing A team, which includes, Laramie, will get a chance to compete at the A regional as well. Cheyenne, Casper and Gillette are the three actual lone AA teams.”
McKinney, however, said their goal is to still win the AA title.
“The guys are ready. I’m happy for them, I’m proud of them and we’re excited to get going,” he said. “We’re going to try to win the whole shooting match and we’re going to do everything we can to get to that championship game and see where it goes from there.”
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers didn’t get a break with their side of the bracket of the Wyoming State American Legion Baseball Tournament that features Casper and Cheyenne. Then again, the other side of the bracket features defending AA champion Gillette, defending A champion Wheatland and current North District Champion Powell.
The Rangers will just have to settle for the old sports cliché, “To be the best, you have to beat the best.”
Laramie, 26-14 and the third seed from the South District, opens the state tournament Wednesday in Rock Springs at 12:30 p.m. against Casper.
“It’s one of those things that the bracket is set up how it is set up and we have no control over that,” Laramie manager Sean McKinney said. “We’ve talked all year about playing against the ball and not worrying about what the other team is doing. We’ll worry about what we can control and our own game, and Coach (Kyle) Deck and I can worry about the other team and how they are going to play us.”
Casper, 25-36 on the season, is the No. 2 seed from the North, as the Oilers fell to Powell 6-5 in the North District title game. Laramie faced the Oilers twice early in the season and won both games, 13-9 and 12-2.
“They are going to be tough," McKinney said. “What we saw earlier this summer wasn’t their full team because of graduation, so they are going to have some more guys.”
From the Rangers' standpoint, McKinney said they won’t change anything, starting No,. 1 pitcher Coley Wilson against the Oilers.
“He’s very comfortable, he has done a great job at the beginning of tournaments,” McKinney said of Wilson.
Laramie finished 3-1 last weekend in the district tournament, beating Riverton twice by a combined 36-12 score and Green River, but fell to Cheyenne 16-5 in a game that was 6-5 heading into the sixth inning.
”I think the kids are ready,” McKinney said. “The kids had a good week of practice last week and played well in the district tournament. Today’s practice was good; it was light and kind of fun for the guys, to keep them loose and motivated for the weekend.
“We get to spend another week at the state tournament. There are good teams there. It is just a fun atmosphere. I love being able to go to the state tournament. I’m happy that we are there.”
With the smallish Miner field in Rock Springs susceptible to giving up home runs, McKinney said they need to play situational baseball.
“(Tuesday) we tried working on keeping our swings level and forget about the home run because we all know that the home runs come when you are not trying,” McKinney said.
Defense will also be important in the state tournament, McKinney said.
“We’re going to try to position our guys in the right spot,” he said. “ It’s all about the defensive aspect of it and how we expect our plays. We did a great job of playing defense last weekend. We had one error in four games, so that is pretty good at this level.”
With the tournament AA and A combined this season, the highest placing A team, which includes, Laramie, will get a chance to compete at the A regional as well. Cheyenne, Casper and Gillette are the three actual lone AA teams.”
McKinney, however, said their goal is to still win the AA title.
“The guys are ready. I’m happy for them, I’m proud of them and we’re excited to get going,” he said. “We’re going to try to win the whole shooting match and we’re going to do everything we can to get to that championship game and see where it goes from there.”
Rangers vets looking to go out on top
Richard Anderson photos
At top, left, Coley Wilson gets ready for a pitch, while Skyler Joy makes good contact with the ball. At bottom, left, Jordan Rhodine looks to make a tag at first base, while Nick Armijo does the same at third base.
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
Wyoming Sports.org
The four Laramie Rangers “veterans” have been there before, whether it was at the Little League or Babe Ruth levels.
All four have won state titles.
Going out on top at the American Legion level would be icing on the base cakes for Skyler Joy, Jordan Rhodine, Coleton Wilson and Nick Armijo.
“It’s been our goal for the three years that I have been here,” Wilson said. “The first year we didn’t do so hot, and last year, we got third place. Hopefully this year, if we come out on top, it shows that we have built up every year, that we made our goal.”
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Joy is the elder statesman of the group at 19 years old, while Wilson, Armijo and Rhodine, at 18, also won a Babe Ruth state title together when they were 15.
They’d like to do it one more time this weekend in Rock Springs.
“Me, Jordan and Coley have won one before and this is probably my last year in baseball, so it would be nice to go out on top,” Armijo said.
What Rhodine remembers the most was going to the regional tournament in Washington that season and having a lot of fun together.
“Maybe we can do something like that at this state tournament and move on and have another week together,” Rhodine said. “We just have to enjoy these last few games.”
For Joy, after five years as a Ranger, the state tournament could be his final hurrah with the team.
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“There is definitely some mixed emotions,” Joy said. “I have been playing with this program for a long time. I just want to go to state and play behind my teammates and hopefully we’ll have some success and make a little noise.”
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Laramie manager Sean McKinney said he was proud with how his four veterans have matured over the years.
Laramie manager Sean McKinney said he was proud with how his four veterans have matured over the years.
“I think they have had good careers and I think they have enjoyed playing baseball, all of the way since T-ball through Little League and the success that they have had,” McKinney said. “These past three years they have gotten extremely better in what they do … not necessarily with their record, but how they have progressed in baseball players. It’s more important about how they have matured as people and baseball players.”
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The Rangers, 26-14, face Casper Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in Rock Springs as the No. 3 seed from the South district. The Oilers are the No. 2 seed from the North.
“I think we have been playing well throughout the district tournament,” Joy said. “We had one loss with Cheyenne, they are a solid tam. We showed up and put runs on the board and played defense behind them. We’ve gotten hot at the same time.”
The key for the Rangers is pretty simple: stay forceful at the play, throw strikes and play defense.
“As long as we stay aggressive with our swings, we’ll be fine,“ Rhodine said. “I think we can hit about any pitcher. Pitching is huge. It is all about coming out to play. out-pitching and out-hitting them. We just need to get fired up about the whole deal.”
If the Rangers get past the Oilers, they will likely face Cheyenne in the second round. Post 6 opens against Cody.
“Everyone in our bracket will be tough. But if we come out and play an swing the bats, if the pitcher all throw strikes, we will get outs,” Wilson said.
Like any tournament, the team that comes out with the most consistency will prevail. Rhodine said it is all about being primed.
“It will be interesting to see how prepared the other teams in the state are prepared,” Rhodine said. “ I know they will bring their game. As long as we compete, we’ll have a good tournament. I think we are peaking at the right time.”
Armijo said that for those who might be playing their final organized baseball, they will play like there is no tomorrow.
“I just want to go out there, lay it all out on the field and play my hardest,” Armijo said.
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The last time the Rangers’ program won a state title was in 1986, well before any of these current players were even born.
The last time the Rangers’ program won a state title was in 1986, well before any of these current players were even born.
“It will mean so much., I won a state championship in Little League and I won it in Babe Ruth. Now, if we can win it at this level, we’re at the top of the state,” Wilson said.
Even if the Rangers don’t win the AA title this weekend, they have a chance to keep on playing as the top team from the A ranks. Although Laramie plays a AA schedule, population-wise, they can qualify for the A regional tournament if they have the best finish from the A teams (Wheatland, Powell, Cody and Riverton).
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“Throughout my years in the Ranger program, we have been close a couple of times,” Joy said. “When I was 15, we got second, and we were third a couple of years. This year with the new format, with the single A regional in the same tournament, we’re looking forward to having a chance to make some noise with that.”
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Rangers battle elements with the right mindset
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
Just called it a delayed reaction.
The Laramie Rangers and Green River Knights were forced into two rain delays Saturday in an attempt for one team to qualify for the Wyoming AA American Legion State Tournament next week in Rock Springs.
For the Rangers, it was the right reaction, as they responded to stop the Knights 11-6.
The first delay came in the fourth inning and lasted about 30 minutes with the Knights up 4-3. Laramie would come back out on the field and take over the momentum, leading 6-4 when the inning was all said and done.
Rains caused another lengthy stay in the dugouts, and when that inning was over, the Rangers scored three times for some insurance.
Green River never returned with much momentum after the hindrance; the Rangers had it all.
“The way we came out, through all of the weather, through everything that was going on, we played hard, we kept battling,” Laramie manager Sean McKinney said.
“Delays are always either bad or good, I guess,” Laramie center fielder/pitcher Coley Wilson said. “If one team doesn’t come out strong and the other team comes out fired up, good things usually happen. We came out fired up. Skyler (Joy) came out with runners on second and third and he hit a fly ball and we scored. From there, we got some confidence up and we knew we could beat that team.”
McKinney said the trick of rain delays is to stay focused, knowing what your goal is.
“There is a time to relax, but you still have to keep somewhat of a focus of what is going on in the game. The guys did that, they did a great job. They wanted to win that game with what was at stake. They battled the elements to stay on top.”
When the field was suitable for play again, McKinney took the team aside one more time to remind them what was at stake -- a state tournament berth.
“Coach called us all in and we got in a little huddle and we had a little talk and that’s when we had the five run inning,” Wilson said.
Wyoming Sports.org
Just called it a delayed reaction.
The Laramie Rangers and Green River Knights were forced into two rain delays Saturday in an attempt for one team to qualify for the Wyoming AA American Legion State Tournament next week in Rock Springs.
For the Rangers, it was the right reaction, as they responded to stop the Knights 11-6.
The first delay came in the fourth inning and lasted about 30 minutes with the Knights up 4-3. Laramie would come back out on the field and take over the momentum, leading 6-4 when the inning was all said and done.
Rains caused another lengthy stay in the dugouts, and when that inning was over, the Rangers scored three times for some insurance.
Green River never returned with much momentum after the hindrance; the Rangers had it all.
“The way we came out, through all of the weather, through everything that was going on, we played hard, we kept battling,” Laramie manager Sean McKinney said.
“Delays are always either bad or good, I guess,” Laramie center fielder/pitcher Coley Wilson said. “If one team doesn’t come out strong and the other team comes out fired up, good things usually happen. We came out fired up. Skyler (Joy) came out with runners on second and third and he hit a fly ball and we scored. From there, we got some confidence up and we knew we could beat that team.”
McKinney said the trick of rain delays is to stay focused, knowing what your goal is.
“There is a time to relax, but you still have to keep somewhat of a focus of what is going on in the game. The guys did that, they did a great job. They wanted to win that game with what was at stake. They battled the elements to stay on top.”
When the field was suitable for play again, McKinney took the team aside one more time to remind them what was at stake -- a state tournament berth.
“Coach called us all in and we got in a little huddle and we had a little talk and that’s when we had the five run inning,” Wilson said.
Rangers win two; advance to state
Richard Anderson photo
Jon Sorenson watches the flight of the ball Saturday against Green River in the South District Tournament at Cowboy Field.
by Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers brushed off the rain from the bill of their caps and the Green River Knights at the same time.
Whatever it took to get to the state tournament.
The Rangers AA American Legion baseball team needed to get the consolation bracket game in Saturday afternoon; they needed to win. After two rain delays, the Rangers did just that in dumping Green River 11-6, before thumping Riverton 18-4 to finish third in the South District Tournament at Cowboy field.
“I’m so happy for the kids that we get to go to state,” Laramie manager Sean McKinney said. “All of the credit goes to them. I’m so happy that we all of the work that they have done, they can get rewarded like this.”
In a do-or-die situation, the Rangers will live to play again and compete in the state tournament next week in Rock Springs.
Laramie, 26-14, had to beat the Knights on Saturday after suffering their first loss of the tournament Friday to Cheyenne Post 6.
“We knew that the Green River game was a big game, not only to get another game, but to make the state tournament for a few more games,” Laramie first baseman/pitcher Jordan Rhodine said. “We came out lackadaisical, not how we wanted to. In the end, we just started hitting the ball and feeling more comfortable and our pitching came around. We were able to just settle in and just out-play them.”
For a while, it looked as if the Rangers would let this opportunity slip through their fingers, with Green River leading 4-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. Laramie, however, cut the lead to 4-3 before a steady rain forced the two teams back to their dugouts with a 30-minute rain delay.
Coming back out, the Rangers would grab the lead and never let go, scoring five runs in the inning. Two more runs in the sixth and three in the eighth, after a second rain delay, cemented the victory.
“Once we jumped on them, it was all downhill from there,” Laramie centerfielder Coley Wilson said.
Laramie pounded out 18 hits in the game, led by Jordan Rhodine's four hits. Jon Sorenson, Rylan Harding and Brody Hilgenkamp all added three hits, with Sorenson, Harding and Wilson all knocking in a pair of runs each. Wilson and Tim Deibert both had a pair of hits as well.
“It’s a big confidence booster knowing you have that two or three-run lead,” Rhodine said. “It just makes it easier to hit easier to field behind your pitcher and it gives your pitcher confidence.”
Nolan Carter picked up the win on the mound, scattering nine hits and all six runs in seven innings. Wilson and Rhodine both pitched a scoreless inning to close the game.
"Nolan was a little nervous at the beginning, he wasn’t sure what he was going to do with the ball,” McKinney said. “But he really settled in to getting back to what he does best. Coley did a great job, Jordan did a great job. We close with Jordan and then he comes back and pitches seven. That was an unbelievable job for him, I’m really proud of him.”
Rhodine and the Rangers were far from finished, though, as they went on to clobber the Raiders for the second time in the tournament. Rhodine picked up the win, giving up just six hits and four runs (two earned) in seven innings, walking two and striking our seven. The big right-hander also had two more hits and three RBI in the contest.
"I hadn’t thrown in a few days and my arm was fresh. I was willing to step up," Rhodine said. "Throwing about 15 pitches wasn’t too bad. I was loose for the second game and I was ready to go. I felt confident with that."
Despite just playing nine innings, the Rangers had all of the energy in the second game, essentially putting the game away with a big seven-run second inning. Leading 12-3 after six innings, the Rangers got over the mercy-rule hump with a six-run seventh.
Again, the Laramie bats went wild with 13 hits, including seven extra-base knocks. Joy had a single and triple and two RBI, with Tyler Mitchell doing the same with one run knocked in. Hilgenkamp added two doubles and three RBI, while Harding's two singles also capped a big day.
"Jordan was great on the mound and we all knew we were going to state,” Wilson said.
The Rangers will face Casper on Wednesday in the first round of the state tournament. Casper fell to Powell 6-5 in the North District title game on Saturday in Casper.
Cheyenne Post 6 belted Wheatland 16-5 to win the South District title. The game was played in Cheyenne because of the two delays in Laramie.
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First Round State Tournament Matchups
Wednesday's Games
(#3 North) Gillette Roughriders vs. (#2 South) Wheatland Lobos, 9 a.m.
(#3 South) Laramie Rangers vs. (#2 North) Casper Oilers, noon
(#4 South) Riverton Raiders vs. (#1 North) Powell Pioneers, 3:30 p.m.
(#4 North) Cody Cubs vs. (#1 South) Cheyenne Post 6, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Post 6 rolls past Rangers
Richard Anderson photo
Laramie first baseman Jordan Rhodine tries to pick off Cheyenne's Shay Cheever Friday night in the semifinals of the South District American Legion Tournament at Cowboy Field.
by Bobby Abplanalp
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers AA American Legion baseball team played tough, but perennial power Cheyenne Post 6 proved to be too much, as they wore down the Rangers for a 16-5 victory Friday to advance to Saturday's finals of the South District Tournament at Cowboy Field.
Laramie, 24-14, will play at 1 p.m. Saturday against the Green River Knights in a loser-out game that will see the winner automatically qualify for the state tournament next week in Rock Springs. The winner also will play in the third-place game at 4 p.m.
Cheyenne, which faces Wheatland Saturday in the title game at 7 p.m., struck first against the Rangers when center fielder Brandon Nimmo hit an RBI sacrifice fly to score right fielder Ty Sevoc for a 1-0 lead after one inning.
The score would stay that way until Post 6 took advantage of four walks by Laramie starting pitcher Rylan Harding in the third inning. With two outs, Sevoc would get things started, scoring off a wild-pitch from Harding. Nimmo would keep things going, as he stole third base and crossed home plate, then first baseman Shay Cheever would get an RBI single, sending home shortstop Ty Lain and left fielder Matthew Pullos. Cheever then came home from an RBI triple by second baseman Jorden Mossey to increase their lead to 6-1.
Laramie would come back in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth, Harding scored off an errant throw by Lain on a ground ball by Coleton Wilson, and Jon Sorenson scored off a ground out to first by first baseman Jordan Rhodine to cut the score to 6-3.
The Rangers then closed to within one run with a pair of scores in the fifth. Third baseman Nick Armijo came home off a wild-pitch by Myles McVeigh and Nimmo dropped a fly ball by Rhodine, which allowed Sorenson and Wilson to score to make it 6-5 going into the bottom of the fifth inning.
“We put pressure on them and it got to them a little bit,” Rangers manager Sean McKinney said. “They put the pressure right back on us, but we came out and played our game and we were right there.”
However, Cheyenne would answer the Rangers rally with six runs off of four hits in the bottom of the fifth inning. Pullos had two singles in the inning, one of which was for an RBI, designated hitter Tanner Renner hit an RBI double and Nimmo and Lain each had RBI walks as Brody Hilgenkamp was relieved after two thirds of the bottom of the fifth inning by Armijo, as Laramie now trailed 12-5.
Post 6 kept the pressure on the Rangers when third baseman Andrew Fanning hit an RBI single to score Renner, followed by an RBI double by Nimmo that sent home Fanning and Sevoc, and an RBI single by Lain scoring Nimmo for the final margin to end the game in the seventh inning with a 10-run mercy rule.
“Cheyenne is a great team,” McKinney said. “We played hard though and we’re right there with them. Cheyenne will put pressure on you and you got to match that. They’re a good ballclub and they got all kinds of guys and they’re a tough team. The state tournament goes through them.”
“Cheyenne has got a lot of guys to pick from and they always have a solid team,” Laramie shortstop Skyler Joy added. “We stayed with them for a while, which is exciting, but they just have so much depth within their roster that it’s hard to stick with them every at bat every inning.”
The Rangers had five hits compared to 10 for Cheyenne.
Saturday is a big game for the Rangers, who still have state tournament aspirations.
“We’re throwing Nolan (Carter), and he’s been solid for us all year (as a starting pitcher),” Joy said. “Green River, we don’t know anything about them, but I think we have the upper hand throwing our second best guy going into the third game of the tournament. Hopefully, Nolan can get it done for us and throw strikes and our bats will be there tomorrow.”
Green River stayed alive in the tournament with a 13-12 win over Rock Springs on Friday.
“This is the game to get to state,” McKinney said. “We really got to attack them and we got to put pressure on them. When they match that intensity, we got to match it right back. After this loss (to Cheyenne) we got to bounce back. That’s what you got to do in baseball.”
Also on Saturday, Torrington will play Riverton in the other loser-out game at 10 a.m.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Rangers A team wins first game at state
By Wyoming Sports.org
SHERIDAN -- The Laramie Rangers A team opened the State American Legion State Tournament at Thorne Rider Stadium on Thursday with as 12-6 win over the Wheatland B team.
With the victory, the Rangers, 13-18 , will face the Cheyenne Hawks Friday at 3 p.m.
Trailing 1-0, the Rangers for going with a big five run third inning, highlighted by a two-run double by Dylan Watson. Laramie added four more in the fourth and three in the seventh to close the game.
Kevin Dooley, who picked up the win on the mound, led the way offensively with four hits -- two singles and two doubles -- and three RBI. Abel Casas added a pair of doubles for three RBI, while Taylor Boggess and Kyle Alexander added two hits each. Laramie finished with 13 hits in the game.
Dooley pitched the first five innings, giving up six hits and three runs (two earned), walking two and striking our five Wheatland batters. Ryan Spiker and Watson also came on to pitch in relief, with Watson pitching the final two innings, giving up three hits and one run.
In the other first rounds games on Thursday, the Gillette Rustlers blanked the Cody B team 11-0 and the Sheridan Jets stopped the Casper Drills 2-0. Gillette and the Hawks received byes.
SHERIDAN -- The Laramie Rangers A team opened the State American Legion State Tournament at Thorne Rider Stadium on Thursday with as 12-6 win over the Wheatland B team.
With the victory, the Rangers, 13-18 , will face the Cheyenne Hawks Friday at 3 p.m.
Trailing 1-0, the Rangers for going with a big five run third inning, highlighted by a two-run double by Dylan Watson. Laramie added four more in the fourth and three in the seventh to close the game.
Kevin Dooley, who picked up the win on the mound, led the way offensively with four hits -- two singles and two doubles -- and three RBI. Abel Casas added a pair of doubles for three RBI, while Taylor Boggess and Kyle Alexander added two hits each. Laramie finished with 13 hits in the game.
Dooley pitched the first five innings, giving up six hits and three runs (two earned), walking two and striking our five Wheatland batters. Ryan Spiker and Watson also came on to pitch in relief, with Watson pitching the final two innings, giving up three hits and one run.
In the other first rounds games on Thursday, the Gillette Rustlers blanked the Cody B team 11-0 and the Sheridan Jets stopped the Casper Drills 2-0. Gillette and the Hawks received byes.
Rangers open districts with win over Riverton
Richard Anderson photo
Laramie shortstop Skyler Joy, 5, is mugged by teammates after an inside-the-park home run Thursday night against Riverton.
by Bobby Abplanalp
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers AA team opened the South District Tournament with a convincing 18-8 eight-inning mercy rule win over the Riverton Raiders in American Legion baseball action Thursday night at Cowboy Field.
Laramie, 24-13, will move into the winner’s bracket and face number one seed Cheyenne Post 6 Friday night, while Riverton, 30-11, takes on Evanston.
The Rangers used a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning, and never looked back scoring in every inning.
“They played well tonight,” Rangers AA manger Sean McKinney said. “We had runners in scoring position and we get base hits, we get doubles, we pitched it, we picked up ground balls and we played the game of baseball tonight.”
The first hit of the game was a single from Rangers right fielder Tyler Mitchell in the second inning, followed by an inside-the-park home run by shortstop Skyler Joy to increase their lead to 5-0.
Riverton would get on the board in the bottom half when left fielder Tyler Larson grounded out to first base allowing center fielder Matt Raymond to come home. Designated hitter Shawn Rivera connected on an RBI single, scoring third baseman Brady Beers to cut the lead to 5-2.
Laramie pitcher Coleton Wilson would score off a wild-pitch from Raiders pitcher Frank Asmundson for a 6-2 advantage heading into the bottom of the third inning.
The Raiders would answer Laramie’s run when Raymond got his second hit blasting an RBI triple to the left field wall that sent home shortstop Jarron Monroe to cut it back to a three run margin.
The Rangers would have a response of their own with a four run fourth inning. An errant throw to first base by Asmundson sailed right of Michael Winter, which allowed Laramie second baseman Rylan Harding to get to third base, scoring Mitchell and Joy in the process. Catcher Jon Sorenson would send Harding home with an RBI single and Wilson would come off when first baseman Jordan Rhodine hit an RBI single of his own for a big 10-3 lead.
Laramie increased its lead by two more after Sorenson's RBI double scored Joy, followed by a RBI single by Rhodine.
Riverton would stay in it when Winter smacked a two-run triple to make it a 12-5 game.
The Rangers would keep the pressure on the Raiders after Sorenson hit a two-run single, scoring Harding, and center fielder Brody Hilgenkamp, to lead 14-5 after six innings.
Laramie would tack on one more in the seventh before Riverton scored three in the bottom of the inning when Beers hit an RBI double with the bases loaded scoring all three to cut the lead to 15-8. That would be as close as the Raiders would get as the Ranger scored the next three to win the game in a 10-run mercy rule in the eighth.
A part of those last three runs was another RBI double by Sorenson, as he went 4-for-5 with three doubles, a single and five RBI.
The Rangers had 15 hits in the game with no errors, while Riverton had 10 hits with seven errors. Laramie capitalized on every one of them.
“It’s one of our tops, especially since we’re in the district tournament,” Sorenson said. “We scored more runs than any team here so far. We put up a good number of runs tonight and showed the rest of the teams here what we can do.”
McKinney said that timely hitting is what baseball is all about.
“You got to get extra touches at the plate when you have runners in scoring position," McKinney said. "They had a good mindset and their approaches at the plate today were great and I think it showed tonight.”
Wilson got the win on the mound through five innings, giving up five runs, eight hits, and six strikeouts.
Joy came in the top of the eighth inning to close it out. Joy hit pinch hitter Dallas Olson, but Olson would be tagged out at second with the next at bat, followed by a 5-4-3 double play to end the game.
The Rangers face Cheyenne Post 6, beginning at 7 p.m., in what may the their biggest challenge all season. Post 6 rolled over Evanston 16-1 on Thursday.
“Cheyenne has a great ballclub,” McKinney said. “We all know that the state tournament goes through Cheyenne and that we have to beat Cheyenne. This is the test we need to get to the state tournament and if we win this game, then we’re automatically in already. It’s a big game and it’s going to be exciting.”
“I think hitting the ball like we did and playing small ball, moving runners over, and just doing the little things right, will help us score runs on their (Cheyenne) defense,” Sorenson added.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Rangers to host South District tourney
Richard Anderson photo
Laramie shortstop Skyler Joy watches the flight of the ball during a recent home game.
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
There’s no free trips to state this year for the state‘s AA and some A American Legion baseball teams.
For the first time in a while, teams will have to earn its way to next week’s state tournament in Rock Springs.
The top four teams from the two district tournaments -- the North in Casper and the South in Laramie -- will move on. The AA and A levels have combined for one state tournament this year, resulting in a true eight-team field.
“I think it is going to get the best teams in the state, the teams that should be there,” Rangers AA manager Sean McKinney said of next week‘s state field. “This is the way a playoff format is to get into any other tournament. I think it is going to be competitive. I think it is going to be good for the game of baseball and I’m excited that we get to host.”
Along with the Rangers, teams competing at Cowboy Field Thursday through Saturday include Cheyenne Post 6, Wheatland, Riverton, Evanston, Rock Springs, Torrington and Green River.
The North teams include Casper, Cody, Sheridan, Gillette, Powell, Douglas and Lovell. Jackson dropped out of the tournament earlier this week.
While the idea of combing the AA and A teams for one tournament this season has been somewhat controversial, McKinney said the fact that it is a truer tournament makes it special.
“The kids aren’t just given the state tournament, they have to earn it,” he said. “I think that will play a big role in how they prepare and how they compete. The best teams are going to be there and the best team is going to win it.”
Not only will the teams have to win to keep playing, McKinney said the teams year are very well matched. When teams are matched up well, he said anything can happen.
“I think that will bring the competitiveness of baseball here,” he said. “With the way this district tournament is set up, you’re going to find out who the top teams are and those top eight teams will play for the championship.”
The Rangers, 23-13, host Riverton in the day’s final game at 7 p.m.
McKinney said his team had a good week of practice and playing in four straight weekends of tournaments this season prepares them for what he hopes is at least two straight weeks of tournament play.
“We’ve already done that this year and there will be some teams that we haven’t played this year,” McKinney said. “I think the way that we have prepared for those tournaments, you are going to play teams that you have never seen before. It is not going to be foreign to us. We haven’t seen Riverton yet, so we don’t know everything about them, and that is the way these tournaments have been.”
The Raiders are 30-10 this season and the second seed from the Southwest quadrant.
“They are a good ball club,” McKinney said. “They have had a good year with a good record. They are going to be tough. We’re going to play that game like it is game seven of the World Series). We want to win that first game and get into that winner’s bracket. I’m sure they are too.”
With that in mind, McKinney said they will stick with their No. 1 starting pitcher, Coley Wilson, in the opener. Wilson is 7-6 on the season with an 2.80 earned run average. Also for the Rangers, Nolan Carter is 6-1 with a 2.91 ERA and Jordan Rhodine is 5-2 with a 5.67 ERA.
“Coley has started off every tournament and he has been our No. 1 guy all year,” McKinney said. “I think he is comfortable in that role and we don’t want to change anything. I don’t want to change his mindset or our team’s mindset.”
Offensively, the Ranger are hitting .342 as a team, with second baseman Rylan Harding leading the way at .448 and a team-high 52 hits. Wilson is hitting .406, followed by Rhodine at .369 and a team-high 45 RBI, Skyler Joy at .359, Jon Sorenson at .348 and Carter at .322 and a team-leading six home runs.
If the Rangers get past Riverton, they will face the winner of the Post 6-Evanston game.
“Cheyenne is tough and (manager) Tagg (Lain) has done such a great job with them,” McKinney said. “The state championship has to go through Cheyenne. I think anyone can beat anyone on any given day. The way the bracket is set up, you’re going to have to beat every one. You’re going to have to get through it and there will be some tough games.”
The district tournament is essentially the third tournament for the season for the Rangers, who hosted the Dooley Oil Classic and Firecracker Invitational earlier on consecutive weekends.
As always, the more the merrier, according to McKinney.
“Anytime you can play on your home field, it is good for the kids,” he said. “I love Cowboy Field. I think it is a great field and a great setting. I’m excited for those seven teams to come here. This venue is a great place to be, a great place to play. We have a lot of help. It should be a real fun tournament. It should be competitive. It’s going to be neat.”
Rangers A opens state against Wheatland B
Richard Anderson photo
Laramie A manager Brandon Ruckman, center, congratulates pitcher Lance McCartney last weekend in a game at the Kleppinger Klassic.
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers A American Legion baseball team is playing its best baseball of the season … just in time for the State B Tournament in Sheridan.
The Rangers, 12-18 on the season, open the tournament on Thursday at 3 p.m. against the Wheatland B squad.
Rangers A manager Brandon Ruckman likes the way his team is playing, especially coming off of last weekend’s 2-2 showing at their own Kleppinger Klassic at Cowboy Field.
“We had a good tournament here at the Klep Klassic. We’re looking to take what we did at the Klep Klassic and apply it to this tournament,” Ruckman said. “We have a middle seed, which is no surprise there. I feel like we are a middle seed.”
The young Rangers, Ruckman said, are beginning to gel as a squad, learning from their mistakes.
“If we keep doing that, we should do well,” he said.
Ruckman especially likes his team’s execution on offense.
“They’re moving guys over, bunting in good situations. We have executed a lot of hit and runs lately. If we can keep that up, we’ll do fine,” Ruckman said.
Defensively, if they make two or less errors a game, the Rangers are in most games, Ruckman said.
“If we can do that, and if our pitchers can throw strikes and do what we ask them, pitching and defense will be the key to our victories,” he said.
Ruckman said as of Wednesday morning that he wasn’t sure about his pitching rotation, but he thought that he would either go with Alex Jordan, Dylan Watson or Kevin Dooley against Wheatland.
“One of our weak points when we started the season was pitching,” Ruckman said. “Now, I think it is one of our strengths. We have a lot of guys who throw and throw strikes.”
If they get past the Lobos, he would then turn to either Abel Casas or Lance McCartney on the mound.
The Rangers haven’t faced the Wheatland B team this year, but did face the Lobos varsity squad a couple of times. While he is anxious for another shot at the Cheyenne Hawks, Ruckman said they can’t look past the Lobos.
“We have to play our best and we have to make it to Cheyenne,” Ruckman said. “We can’t underestimate Wheatland. We have to bring our A game. Hopefully, we’ll swing the sticks like we did this weekend. Last weekend was the best that we played all year. If we can do that, we should surprise some teams.”
Cheyenne received a first-round bye and will face the winner of the Laramie-Wheatland game Friday at 3 p.m.
The other first-round games on Thursday will pit the Gillette Rustlers against the Cody B team at noon and the Casper Drillers against the Sheridan Jets at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Rangers A rally past Lovell
by Bobby Abplanalp
Wyoming Sports.org
Saturday proved to be twice as nice for the Laramie Rangers A squad at Cowboy Field, as they defeated the Lovell Mustangs in a thrilling come-from-behind 9-8 victory just three-and-a-half hours after they beat the Rawlins Generals 5-1.
Laramie, 12-18, moves to 2-1 in the annual wood-bat Kleppinger Klassic tournament and can play for third place on Sunday.
“They just have what it takes to push the entire game and battle back and that tells me a lot,” Rangers A manager Brandon Ruckman said. “Hopefully, they’ll take this into state. Usually we have one bad inning and usually we fold and today we battled back and put it to them (Lovell) and it was great to see them do that.”
“We never die, you know,” Laramie catcher Kevin Dooley said. “That will help us a lot at the state tournament. If we come out slow, then we just need to come back and never give up, and I think that shows a lot of character about our team.”
The Rangers struck first in this one when Lovell shortstop Eric Brimhall let a grounder from Laramie left fielder Travis Scott get under his legs, and designated hitter Taylor Boggess scored for a 1-0 lead after the first inning.
However, the Mustangs used a big third inning to seemingly take control of the game.
Lovell would send 11 batters to the plate in the top of the third, getting the best of Rangers starting pitcher Lance McCartney, and three Laramie errors added more fuel to the fire, as the Mustangs would score six runs off of just three hits for the lead.
Mustangs pitcher Shane Dickerson, second baseman Bryce Dickerson and third baseman David Rohrer all hit RBI singles, while errors by Rangers first baseman Abel Casas and third baseman Dylan Watson, along with McCartney hitting Lovell batters Cody Pickett and Steven Durtsche, resulting in all six runs.
The Rangers would hang in there when right fielder Kyle Alexander hit an RBI single sending Boggess home, and then Alexander would score off a passed ball from Lovell catcher Pickett to cut the score to 6-3 going into the fourth inning.
Each team would go scoreless in the fourth, but both would come back strong in the fifth inning.
Durtsche got things started for Lovell, as he blasted an RBI triple to left center field that scored Pickett. Durtsche would then come home off another costly error by Watson when his throw to first base went wide left of Casas, allowing Mustangs pinch hitter Jordan Mickelson to get to first safely. Lovell led 8-4 heading into the bottom of the fifth.
Now it was Laramie’s turn. Dooley led off with a single only to come home two batters later, as Alexander hit his second RBI single of the game. Another two batters later, Boggess would come home courtesy of an RBI single by center fielder Josh Peterson. It was time for Alexander and Peterson to come home, and that they did when a wild pitch got by Pickett, which allowed Alexander to come in. Two pitches later, pinch hitter Tyler Mitchell hit an RBI single bringing in Peterson to cut the lead to one.
Both teams would hold serve in the sixth inning and the Rangers kept the Mustangs at bay in the top of the seventh inning.
The game was now Laramie’s to win. Mitchell got his second single and pinch hitter Alex Jordan walked to set up shortstop Tyler Loose’s RBI single sending Mitchell home to tie the game. With Jordan and Loose on base, Dickerson would unintentionally walk Casas to load the bases with two outs. Dooley drew an RBI walk to win the game in the bottom of the seventh.
“I was just thinking if he (Dickerson) gives me a pitch, then I’m going to take it and hit a sacrifice fly,” Dooley said. “Nothing special, no line drives or anything, as long as I got a sac-fly it would be good.”
“Oh man, so much was going through my mind, I was nervous,” Ruckman added. “I was hoping he could put it in the outfield and get a sac-fly. Their (Lovell) infield was playing in, so I really couldn’t squeeze them, a lot was going through my mind. I was just trying to figure out how we could get a run across one way or another and we did it.”
The Rangers A team will be in action again Sunday at Cowboy Field in the third-fourth place game against either Cheyenne or Cheyenne Mountain, Colo., beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Wyoming Sports.org
Saturday proved to be twice as nice for the Laramie Rangers A squad at Cowboy Field, as they defeated the Lovell Mustangs in a thrilling come-from-behind 9-8 victory just three-and-a-half hours after they beat the Rawlins Generals 5-1.
Laramie, 12-18, moves to 2-1 in the annual wood-bat Kleppinger Klassic tournament and can play for third place on Sunday.
“They just have what it takes to push the entire game and battle back and that tells me a lot,” Rangers A manager Brandon Ruckman said. “Hopefully, they’ll take this into state. Usually we have one bad inning and usually we fold and today we battled back and put it to them (Lovell) and it was great to see them do that.”
“We never die, you know,” Laramie catcher Kevin Dooley said. “That will help us a lot at the state tournament. If we come out slow, then we just need to come back and never give up, and I think that shows a lot of character about our team.”
The Rangers struck first in this one when Lovell shortstop Eric Brimhall let a grounder from Laramie left fielder Travis Scott get under his legs, and designated hitter Taylor Boggess scored for a 1-0 lead after the first inning.
However, the Mustangs used a big third inning to seemingly take control of the game.
Lovell would send 11 batters to the plate in the top of the third, getting the best of Rangers starting pitcher Lance McCartney, and three Laramie errors added more fuel to the fire, as the Mustangs would score six runs off of just three hits for the lead.
Mustangs pitcher Shane Dickerson, second baseman Bryce Dickerson and third baseman David Rohrer all hit RBI singles, while errors by Rangers first baseman Abel Casas and third baseman Dylan Watson, along with McCartney hitting Lovell batters Cody Pickett and Steven Durtsche, resulting in all six runs.
The Rangers would hang in there when right fielder Kyle Alexander hit an RBI single sending Boggess home, and then Alexander would score off a passed ball from Lovell catcher Pickett to cut the score to 6-3 going into the fourth inning.
Each team would go scoreless in the fourth, but both would come back strong in the fifth inning.
Durtsche got things started for Lovell, as he blasted an RBI triple to left center field that scored Pickett. Durtsche would then come home off another costly error by Watson when his throw to first base went wide left of Casas, allowing Mustangs pinch hitter Jordan Mickelson to get to first safely. Lovell led 8-4 heading into the bottom of the fifth.
Now it was Laramie’s turn. Dooley led off with a single only to come home two batters later, as Alexander hit his second RBI single of the game. Another two batters later, Boggess would come home courtesy of an RBI single by center fielder Josh Peterson. It was time for Alexander and Peterson to come home, and that they did when a wild pitch got by Pickett, which allowed Alexander to come in. Two pitches later, pinch hitter Tyler Mitchell hit an RBI single bringing in Peterson to cut the lead to one.
Both teams would hold serve in the sixth inning and the Rangers kept the Mustangs at bay in the top of the seventh inning.
The game was now Laramie’s to win. Mitchell got his second single and pinch hitter Alex Jordan walked to set up shortstop Tyler Loose’s RBI single sending Mitchell home to tie the game. With Jordan and Loose on base, Dickerson would unintentionally walk Casas to load the bases with two outs. Dooley drew an RBI walk to win the game in the bottom of the seventh.
“I was just thinking if he (Dickerson) gives me a pitch, then I’m going to take it and hit a sacrifice fly,” Dooley said. “Nothing special, no line drives or anything, as long as I got a sac-fly it would be good.”
“Oh man, so much was going through my mind, I was nervous,” Ruckman added. “I was hoping he could put it in the outfield and get a sac-fly. Their (Lovell) infield was playing in, so I really couldn’t squeeze them, a lot was going through my mind. I was just trying to figure out how we could get a run across one way or another and we did it.”
The Rangers A team will be in action again Sunday at Cowboy Field in the third-fourth place game against either Cheyenne or Cheyenne Mountain, Colo., beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Rangers beat Rawlins for Kleppinger victory
by Bobby Abplanalp
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers A squad defeated the Rawlins Generals 5-1 in American Legion baseball action in their first of two games on Saturday in the annual wood-bat Kleppinger Klassic at Cowboy Field.
Laramie trailed 1-0 early before a big third inning put them ahead for good.
Rangers pitcher Alex Jordan would lead off the bottom of the third with a single, followed by another single by shortstop Tyler Loose. Jordan would tie things up crossing home plate up when Rawlins shortstop Trevor Guetsch bobbled a ground ball allowing Laramie second baseman Abel Casas to advance to first base. Loose and first baseman Kevin Dooley would come home off an RBI single hit by third baseman Dylan Watson, while Watson would soon crash the scoring party when center fielder Josh Peterson sent him home with an RBI single for a 4-1 lead.
Generals starting pitcher Dustin Stallings gave up five hits to the Rangers in the inning.
Laramie would increase its lead in the fifth inning after Peterson grounded out, which allowed right fielder Taylor Boggess to scamper home for the final margin.
The Rangers had eight hits in the game.
“Our execution has been there all year,” Rangers A manager Brandon Ruckman said. “I wanted to utilize that this time especially with the wood bats. We hit some holes, executed, got some runs across and it was good to do that.”
Jordan got the win on the mound, giving up just two hits and one run, striking our two through six innings. He also hit 2-for-3 with two singles.
“It was great to get Alex on the mound and see what he had,” Ruckman said. “He pitched a great game and kept us in it and now we get to save some of our other arms, which is good.”
Dooley would close things out on the mound in the seventh inning getting two strikeouts.
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers A squad defeated the Rawlins Generals 5-1 in American Legion baseball action in their first of two games on Saturday in the annual wood-bat Kleppinger Klassic at Cowboy Field.
Laramie trailed 1-0 early before a big third inning put them ahead for good.
Rangers pitcher Alex Jordan would lead off the bottom of the third with a single, followed by another single by shortstop Tyler Loose. Jordan would tie things up crossing home plate up when Rawlins shortstop Trevor Guetsch bobbled a ground ball allowing Laramie second baseman Abel Casas to advance to first base. Loose and first baseman Kevin Dooley would come home off an RBI single hit by third baseman Dylan Watson, while Watson would soon crash the scoring party when center fielder Josh Peterson sent him home with an RBI single for a 4-1 lead.
Generals starting pitcher Dustin Stallings gave up five hits to the Rangers in the inning.
Laramie would increase its lead in the fifth inning after Peterson grounded out, which allowed right fielder Taylor Boggess to scamper home for the final margin.
The Rangers had eight hits in the game.
“Our execution has been there all year,” Rangers A manager Brandon Ruckman said. “I wanted to utilize that this time especially with the wood bats. We hit some holes, executed, got some runs across and it was good to do that.”
Jordan got the win on the mound, giving up just two hits and one run, striking our two through six innings. He also hit 2-for-3 with two singles.
“It was great to get Alex on the mound and see what he had,” Ruckman said. “He pitched a great game and kept us in it and now we get to save some of our other arms, which is good.”
Dooley would close things out on the mound in the seventh inning getting two strikeouts.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rangers A plays well, but falls to Torrington varsity in Kleppinger opener
Richard Anderson photo
The Laramie Rangers A American Legion baseball team reacts after a good play on the field Thursday against Torrington in the first game of the annual Kleppinger Klassic at Cowboy Field. The Torrington varsity team won the hard-fought game, 3-1.
By Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers A American Legion baseball team was a hit or two away from pulling off a nice upset to begin the annual Kleppinger Klassic Thursday at Cowboy Field.
The Rangers dropped a tough 3-1 decision to AA Torrington, stranding 11 batters. Laramie 10-17, had six hits in the game, but left seven baserunners in scoring position.
“We left too many people on base,” Laramie coach Brandon Ruckman said. “I guess we have to work out those kinks for the next two games that we have.”
Laramie got off to a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Tyler Boggess singled home Abel Casas, who had reached on a single. Laramie, however, left the bases load for the first of two times on Thursday.
The Tigers took the lead with a pair of runs in the third inning and added one run in the fifth to conclude the scoring.
The Rangers left the bases loaded in the third inning and had runners in scoring position in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings without scoring.
Despite the loss, Ruckman was pleased with how his young team played against an older team.
“We’ve played them for three years and I’ve seen the same names for three years,” Ruckman said. “They are definitely and older team. I told them to leave it on the field and that is exactly what they did – they left 100 percent out on the field and we still came away with a loss. It’s too bad, but I thought they played well. Their coach commented on our players and said we did a great job, and I thought we did a great job.”
The more the Rangers stayed in the game with the Tigers, Ruckman said the more his young team felt like it could win the game. They just came up a little short.
“I think they knew going in that this would be a tough game,” Ruckman said. “We’re hanging in there, 3-1 with Torrington, and I think they felt that they could do it, they could take it to the next step. We’re going to take this into the next games, and hopefully what we did today, we can take into the state competition.”
Casas, who took the loss on the mound, had two hits for the Rangers offensively, as did Dylan Watson. Boggess and Tyler Loose also had singles for Laramie.
Casas pitched four innings for the Rangers, giving up four hits and two runs (one earned). Lance McCartney pitched the final three innings, giving up three hits and one run.
“They did great. They did everything that we asked them to do,” Ruckman said of Casas and McCartney. “They threw strikes and held them to three runs, which is great. They did a great job today.”
The tournament will continue on Friday, although the Rangers won’t see the field until a pair of games on Saturday. Laramie takes on Green River at 2 p.m. and Lovell at 7 p.m.
“I’m ready to go … I think this whole team is ready to go,” Ruckman said. “After our Gillette tournament (Laramie was 1-4), I think we’re ready to roll for the next two games.”
Rangers split with Wheatland
WHEATLAND -- The Laramie Rangers didn’t settle any seeding questions with a split against Wheatland on Wednesday.
The Lobos routed the Rangers 13-5 in the opener, with the Rangers holding on for a 12-11 victory in the nightcap.
Laramie hosts the South District Tournament from July 23-25 and will wait on a vote from the district coaches for the tournament seeding.
Things looked promising in the first game, with the Rangers and Lobos tied at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. The Lobos, however, roughed up Laramie ace Coley Wilson with six runs in the bottom of the fourth and never looked back. Wheatland added a run in the fifth and three more in the sixth.
Wilson gave up eight hits and 10 runs (eight earned) in 4 1/3 innings. Nick Armijo and Brody Hilgenkamp also pitched in the game for Laramie.
The Rangers had just six hits in the game, with left fielder Nolan Carter leading the way with a single and home run.
The Laramie offense picked things up in the second game with 11 safeties, led by Carter’s two home runs and five RBI, including a grand slam blast in the fourth inning. Hilgenkamp and Rylan Harding both added two hits each and Jon Sorenson belted a three-run home run, while Tyler Mitchell had two RBI in the contest.
The Rangers trailed 5-2 before exploding for six runs in the fourth inning and adding on four more in the sixth for some insurance.
Carter started the game on the mound, giving up eight hits and eight runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Skyler Joy picked up the win in relief, pitching the final 2 1/3 innings, giving up two hit and three runs (one earned). Joy ended the game with a strikeout and a Wheatland base runner on third base.
The Rangers will close the regular Friday with a doubleheader at Gering, Neb., beginning at 2 p.m.
The Lobos routed the Rangers 13-5 in the opener, with the Rangers holding on for a 12-11 victory in the nightcap.
Laramie hosts the South District Tournament from July 23-25 and will wait on a vote from the district coaches for the tournament seeding.
Things looked promising in the first game, with the Rangers and Lobos tied at 3-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. The Lobos, however, roughed up Laramie ace Coley Wilson with six runs in the bottom of the fourth and never looked back. Wheatland added a run in the fifth and three more in the sixth.
Wilson gave up eight hits and 10 runs (eight earned) in 4 1/3 innings. Nick Armijo and Brody Hilgenkamp also pitched in the game for Laramie.
The Rangers had just six hits in the game, with left fielder Nolan Carter leading the way with a single and home run.
The Laramie offense picked things up in the second game with 11 safeties, led by Carter’s two home runs and five RBI, including a grand slam blast in the fourth inning. Hilgenkamp and Rylan Harding both added two hits each and Jon Sorenson belted a three-run home run, while Tyler Mitchell had two RBI in the contest.
The Rangers trailed 5-2 before exploding for six runs in the fourth inning and adding on four more in the sixth for some insurance.
Carter started the game on the mound, giving up eight hits and eight runs (six earned) in 4 2/3 innings. Skyler Joy picked up the win in relief, pitching the final 2 1/3 innings, giving up two hit and three runs (one earned). Joy ended the game with a strikeout and a Wheatland base runner on third base.
The Rangers will close the regular Friday with a doubleheader at Gering, Neb., beginning at 2 p.m.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Rangers finish 3-2 in Scottsbluff
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- with a split on Sunday, the Laramie Rangers AA American Legion baseball team finished 3-2 in the three-day Scottsbluff Screenprinting Wood Bat Classic.
On Sunday, the Rangers thumped Rock Springs 11-3, only to fall to Fort Morgan, Colo., 4-3 in their final game of the tournament.
Against Rock Springs, the Rangers came out on fire with seven runs in the first inning. Laramie plated three in the third and another in the fourth, as the came was called in the sixth because of the eight-run mercy rule.
The Rangers finished with nine hits in the game, led by Coley Wilson with two singles and to RBI, Tim Deibert with a single and double and one run knocked in and Nick Armijo with one hit and three RBI.
Kevin Dooley picked up the victory on the mound, giving up just 3 hits and one unearned run in four innings, walking one and striking out three. Tyler Mitchell pitched the final two innings, giving up three hits and two unearned runs.
The Rangers fell behind Fort Morgan 3-0 after four innings, but rallied for three runs in the fifth to tie the game. Fort Morgan, however, scored a run in the top of the seventh and Laramie couldn''t answer.
Four Rangers pitched in the game, with Armijo getting the start, lasting 2 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and one unearned run. Rylan Harding, Brody Hilgenkamp and Wilson all pitched in the contest as well, with Wilson taking the loss.
Wilson and Nolan Carter both had a pair of hits for the Rangers.
On Saturday, the Rangers edged Cody 4-2. Carter got the win on the mound, giving up five hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings, walking four and striking out seven. Mitchell got the final out to earn the save.
Wilson and Carter had two hits each for the Rangers.
Laramie, 22-11, will face Wheatland Wednesday in Wheatland, with the twinbill beginning at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, the Rangers thumped Rock Springs 11-3, only to fall to Fort Morgan, Colo., 4-3 in their final game of the tournament.
Against Rock Springs, the Rangers came out on fire with seven runs in the first inning. Laramie plated three in the third and another in the fourth, as the came was called in the sixth because of the eight-run mercy rule.
The Rangers finished with nine hits in the game, led by Coley Wilson with two singles and to RBI, Tim Deibert with a single and double and one run knocked in and Nick Armijo with one hit and three RBI.
Kevin Dooley picked up the victory on the mound, giving up just 3 hits and one unearned run in four innings, walking one and striking out three. Tyler Mitchell pitched the final two innings, giving up three hits and two unearned runs.
The Rangers fell behind Fort Morgan 3-0 after four innings, but rallied for three runs in the fifth to tie the game. Fort Morgan, however, scored a run in the top of the seventh and Laramie couldn''t answer.
Four Rangers pitched in the game, with Armijo getting the start, lasting 2 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and one unearned run. Rylan Harding, Brody Hilgenkamp and Wilson all pitched in the contest as well, with Wilson taking the loss.
Wilson and Nolan Carter both had a pair of hits for the Rangers.
On Saturday, the Rangers edged Cody 4-2. Carter got the win on the mound, giving up five hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings, walking four and striking out seven. Mitchell got the final out to earn the save.
Wilson and Carter had two hits each for the Rangers.
Laramie, 22-11, will face Wheatland Wednesday in Wheatland, with the twinbill beginning at 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Rangers stop Cody
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -- The Laramie Rangers American Legion AA baseball team won its second game of the Scottsbluff Screen Printing Wood Bat Classic, stopping Cody 4-2 on Saturday.
No details of the game were available.
The win moved the Rangers to 2-1 in the tournament and 21-10 overall. On Friday, Laramie fell to WESTCO (Scottsbluff) 7-6, before defeating Denver Mullen 7-2.
The Rangers will close the tournament on Sunday, facing Rock Springs at 3 p.m. and Fort Morgan, Colo., at 5:30 p.m.
No details of the game were available.
The win moved the Rangers to 2-1 in the tournament and 21-10 overall. On Friday, Laramie fell to WESTCO (Scottsbluff) 7-6, before defeating Denver Mullen 7-2.
The Rangers will close the tournament on Sunday, facing Rock Springs at 3 p.m. and Fort Morgan, Colo., at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Rangers split at Scottsbluff
By Wyoming Sports.org
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The Laramie Rangers bounced back from a tough opening loss to host WESTCO, to down Denver Mullen in their second game of the Scottsbluff Screen Printing Wood Bat Classic on Friday.
The Rangers fell to WESTCO 7-6 in the first game of the day, before bouncing back behind the strong pitching from Coley Wilson for a 7-2 decision over Mullen.
Laramie, 20-10, will close the tournament against Cody at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and against Rock Springs at 3 p.m. and Fort Morgan, Colo., at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
It was the second straight week that the Rangers had faced the Scottsbluff team to begin a tourney, as it hosted the Zephyrs to begin the Firecracker Invitational in Laramie. In that game, the Zephyrs rolled past Laramie 9-2.
This game was much more competitive, as WESTCO won the game with an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh. The Rangers struggled defensively in the contest, with six errors that resulted in just four earned runs.
After trailing 2-0 in the top of the first inning, WESTCO ran off six straight runs before the Rangers tied the game at 6-6 in the sixth inning. But the Zephyrs came back to win the game off of reliever Skyler Joy, who gave up three this and hit a batter in the inning.
Jordan Rhodine started the game and gave up nine hits and six runs in six innings.
The Rangers finished with 11 hits in the game, led by Joy and second baseman Rylan Harding with three hits each. Harding had a pair of RBI, with Brody Hilgenkamp, Rhodine, Nolan Carter and Kevin Dooley all driving in one run.
The second game against Mullen was a different story, as the Rangers used strong pitching from Wilson, committing just two errors and then exploding for seven runs in the fourth inning.
Wilson finished with a complete-game five-hitter, giving up single runs in the first and seventh innings. He didn’t walk a batter, striking out four.
Harding paced the Rangers with two hits and an RBI, with Hilgenkamp driving in two runs. Joy, Wilson, Carter and Nick Armijo all had RBIs in that fourth inning.
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The Laramie Rangers bounced back from a tough opening loss to host WESTCO, to down Denver Mullen in their second game of the Scottsbluff Screen Printing Wood Bat Classic on Friday.
The Rangers fell to WESTCO 7-6 in the first game of the day, before bouncing back behind the strong pitching from Coley Wilson for a 7-2 decision over Mullen.
Laramie, 20-10, will close the tournament against Cody at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and against Rock Springs at 3 p.m. and Fort Morgan, Colo., at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
It was the second straight week that the Rangers had faced the Scottsbluff team to begin a tourney, as it hosted the Zephyrs to begin the Firecracker Invitational in Laramie. In that game, the Zephyrs rolled past Laramie 9-2.
This game was much more competitive, as WESTCO won the game with an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh. The Rangers struggled defensively in the contest, with six errors that resulted in just four earned runs.
After trailing 2-0 in the top of the first inning, WESTCO ran off six straight runs before the Rangers tied the game at 6-6 in the sixth inning. But the Zephyrs came back to win the game off of reliever Skyler Joy, who gave up three this and hit a batter in the inning.
Jordan Rhodine started the game and gave up nine hits and six runs in six innings.
The Rangers finished with 11 hits in the game, led by Joy and second baseman Rylan Harding with three hits each. Harding had a pair of RBI, with Brody Hilgenkamp, Rhodine, Nolan Carter and Kevin Dooley all driving in one run.
The second game against Mullen was a different story, as the Rangers used strong pitching from Wilson, committing just two errors and then exploding for seven runs in the fourth inning.
Wilson finished with a complete-game five-hitter, giving up single runs in the first and seventh innings. He didn’t walk a batter, striking out four.
Harding paced the Rangers with two hits and an RBI, with Hilgenkamp driving in two runs. Joy, Wilson, Carter and Nick Armijo all had RBIs in that fourth inning.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rain washes out Rangers, Bandits
by Bobby Abplanalp
and Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers and Colorado Bandits will not try again afterall on Sunday to finish their Firecracker Invitational matchup.
The American Legion baseball game between the Rangers and the Bandits (Parker, Colo.), 26-9, was stopped Saturday night due to rain. The game was tentatively scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. on Sunday at Cowboy Field, but late Saturday night it was determined that the field conditions would not be suitable for play on Sunday and the rest of the tournament was canceled.
Laramie, 19-9, was credited with the victory, as the game was reverted back to the fifth inning and the Rangers up 1-0.
The Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the third inning off of a RBI single by catcher Jon Sorenson that sent left fielder Brody Hilgenkamp home.
Behind the strong pitching from Jordan Rhodine, the Ranger lead would last up until the sixth when Colorado left fielder Nate Holt hit a two-out fly ball to right field where Tyler Mitchell couldn't quite hang on during a diving attempt. The drop allowed Bandit center fielder Alex Schrupp to score the go ahead run.
and Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org
The Laramie Rangers and Colorado Bandits will not try again afterall on Sunday to finish their Firecracker Invitational matchup.
The American Legion baseball game between the Rangers and the Bandits (Parker, Colo.), 26-9, was stopped Saturday night due to rain. The game was tentatively scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. on Sunday at Cowboy Field, but late Saturday night it was determined that the field conditions would not be suitable for play on Sunday and the rest of the tournament was canceled.
Laramie, 19-9, was credited with the victory, as the game was reverted back to the fifth inning and the Rangers up 1-0.
The Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the third inning off of a RBI single by catcher Jon Sorenson that sent left fielder Brody Hilgenkamp home.
Behind the strong pitching from Jordan Rhodine, the Ranger lead would last up until the sixth when Colorado left fielder Nate Holt hit a two-out fly ball to right field where Tyler Mitchell couldn't quite hang on during a diving attempt. The drop allowed Bandit center fielder Alex Schrupp to score the go ahead run.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Rangers thump Loveland
Richard Anderson photos
Rangers shortstop Skyler Joy slides into third base safely Friday night against Loveland, Colo., in the annual Firecracker Invitational at Cowboy Field. At left, Coley Wilson shows the form that earned him the 13-0 shutout victory.
by Bobby Abplanalp
Wyoming Sports.org
One day made all the difference in the world for the Laramie Rangers Friday, as they shut out the Loveland (Colo.) Indians 13-0 in American Legion baseball action at Cowboy Field.
The game ended after the fourth inning due to lightning.
Laramie, 18-9, is now 1-1 in the Firecracker Invitational and can play its way into the tournament championship with a win over the 2-0 Colorado Bandits on Saturday.
The Rangers were coming off of their uninspiring defeat to the WESTCO (Scottsbluff, Neb.) Zephyrs on Thursday, but they turned things around with a near perfect game against Loveland.
“Last night we had a team meeting,” Rangers second baseman Rylan Harding said. “We just flushed everything and figured out all the problems, and then we came out and just really forgot about that loss (to WESTCO) and came out with our sticks just fired up and ready to play.”
Rangers manager Sean McKinney said his team came out aggressive on Friday, something they didn't do on Thursday.
“There were some guys today early on that went over some hitting stuff and they just responded well," McKinney said. "It has nothing to do with me, they just responded well.”
The Rangers dominated offensively and defensively from the start, as they retired the first three batters for the Indians and then scored five runs in the bottom of the inning with two big hits off of Loveland starting pitcher D.J. Arebalo for a 5-0 lead. Harding got things going with a RBI double, followed by a two-run single by right fielder Tyler Mitchell.Ryan Baca took over pitching duties for the Indians in the second inning, but he didn't fare much better, as the Rangers continued to dominate.
Laramie refused to let up, as it rallied behind pitcher Coleton Wilson to quickly get out of each inning. Wilson got the win in the four-inning, 39-pitch shutout, allowing just two hits.
“Coley pitched a great game and that’s what happens when good pitching beats good hitting,” McKinney said.
The Rangers would put the game out of reach in the second inning, as Harding hit his second RBI double of the day that sent catcher Jon Sorenson home.
Harding was 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI, while Sorenson, Jordan Rhodine and Nolan Carter all had two hits. Carter had a three-run double to highlight a six-run fourth inning. Laramie finished with 11 hits in the game.
The Rangers will celebrate Independence Day when they take on the Colorado Bandits at Cowboy Field Saturday, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
“We really want to win the Firecracker Tournament,” Harding said. “It’s been a long time since a Laramie home team won the Firecracker Tournament. We’re working hard and we need a few things to go right here and there and hopefully we can get to that championship game.”
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